Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-03-03
THE WSPAPER.
Its Mission as Discussed by a High Au.
thOrfty,
st. Louis Globe Democrat.


tice that Mr.. Henry Wattersoa of the
Louisville Courier-Journal is subject to
periodical eruptions of wisdom upon the
subject OF the true mission of the jour
nalist. In his judgment newspaper
should be conducted with special refer
ence to its political influence and the pro-
motion of certain partisan theories and
purposes. lie would have US believe that
the reading public is chiefly concerned
about the next presidential election, and
that all other considerations should be
suhordineted to that of presenting forci-
Bile daily arguments on the editorial
page in favor of given political interests.
We do not understand such to be the
legitimate function Of the newspaper of
the present era. The day OF the political
organ, IS such-that is to say, of the
newspaper published for the sole purpose
of "whooping up the party-has gone
by, unless we very much mistake the
situation. The tremendous incidents of
the last quarter of century in this
Countrywide growth of intelligence and
the changes of thought and action-have
left that old familiar object lar in the
rear. We are living IN new time,
under altered circumstances; and this
implies that the newspaper, like
all other agencies OF civilization,
must adapt itself to prevailing
influences, and find its chances of profit
and usefulness in devistions from the
methods and traditions of the past. 1t is
not true that the American people are
interested in politics above everything
else, or that they have either time or in
clination to listen to the journalist who
insists upon discussing political ques-
lions when he ought to be hunting for
news. The true mission of the editor, il
seems to US, is first to tell his readers in
to-day's paper what happened yesterday
in sill parts of the world. That is what
nine out OF every ten readers are most
anxious to know, and they buy papers
mainly for the purpose Of obtaining such
information.
There are certain periods when the peo-
pie give preference to politics and read
papers witn a special view to partisan in
terests; but those periods are brief and
exceptional. As 3 general ~ule, the great
majority OF newspaper readers give little
thought TO the issues and tendencies
which Mr.. Watterson says the journalist
should make it his principal business to
tiers pressing upon them with great deal
more interest and Importance. When the
proper time comes they give due attention
TO the work of indicating their political
opinions, and are properly thankful to
the editor for his assistance in that re-
spect; but they do not ask or expect to
have their papers filled with campaign
matter when there is no campaign in pro-
do
lighted when the eleCti IN is over and the
proyocation ended for the exclusion Of
other forms of reading to make room toI
political articles. 1t is mistake tC
suppose that newspapers are any
longer chiefly priced and supported
in their capacity as political ora
Giles and on account of their zeal,
Gus and determined advocacy of party
principles and policies. There was q
time when that WAS the case, but people
think differently now. A paper needs to
have political opinions, to be sure, and
TO express them clearly and forclbly when
occasion serves, but that is not its sur.
passing obligation, by any means. 1t may
at any time safely foregO the duty OF
political discussions for discussions sake
merely, when by so doing it can furnish
lis TGdGGTS VIII News VI d
and pleasing character.
The most pros ferrous and at the same
time the most powerful newspapers are
those which devote themselves assidu,
ously TO the task of keeping their patrons
thoroughly posted as to current events in
every quarter of the globe and in all the
relations of life, yielding to other de-
mands and objects only such space as is
e.. = -
alive purpose. Mr.. Watterson may say
that this is calculated to depreciate the
influence of the press and to defeat its
usefulness as an educating force; but the
facts do not Justify such an assertion.
There has never been time in the history
of newspapers when they were worth
more to civilization than they are at
present. No righteous cause appeals to
them in vain for sympathy and succor.
They are quick to respond to all PROPOSE
tons and suggestions in the interest of
Justice, charity and morality. But it still
remains true that their mission, as things
now stand, is to collect and print
the news, and not to be the or
gans of parties AMI the incessant
purveyors of political matter. Tho Jour
nalist VINO serves Els readers Est is
not the one who provides them with
elaborate and ambitious discussions of
topics having connection only with prob
lens of government and contingencies of
gain or loss in coming elections, but the
one who supplies them with the latest and
most reliable and comprehensive inform
alton of what is going on throughout the
world. The press has reached point in
its wonderful career where, to maintain
its ground and prolong its success, 1T must
aoandon the old theory of Its existence,
proclaim itself Independent, not merely of
the politicians, but of politics as well, ex-
Cept for casual uses, and bend all its en-
ergies and resources to the duty of gath
eriug ard publishing the news, no matter
what else may have to 60 neglected. Mr..
Watterson will call this heresy, of course;
but if he expects to keep his own psper
prominent and prosperous, he will have
to adapt it to such philosophy and dis
card his foolish dream OF q system of
journalism in which the editor shall be
exempt from the obligation of pleasing
those to whom he looks for support.
Mormon Converts from the South.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN, March THE
semi.annual hegira of Mormon converts
from the southern states to Utah took